"If we could get state funding on par with traditional school districts, I certainly envisage more charter-school operators coming into the state," said Andy Boas, board chair at Achievement First Bridgeport Academy.

The charter-school proposal is part of a larger education package he plans to unveil during his State of the State address Wednesday, which will likely include changes to teacher evaluations, tenure and early childhood education.

Loud complainers aside, the mayor said, the "real silent majority are the people really yearning for educational options for their kids," which he said is evidenced by the tens of thousands of children on charter-school waiting lists.